Book Review: Christened With Crosses by Eduard Kochergin

Christened with Crosses is a memoir that is an unforgettable story. About a young boy whose parents were taken away as spies and he was forced to live in an orphanage. Though Eduard was born polish he found himself in Russian state orphanages for children of political prisoners.

I must say that when I read the terrible state of the orphanages he lived in I cringed in fear. Lack of food, no toys and at times physical abuse raged these orphanages. I was amazed at Kochergin’s amazing courage as he ran away and headed towards being reunited with his mother Bronya.

In his journey he discovered his love for the arts. Making metal faces of the Russian leaders, Japanese tattooing and playing cards. I definitely loved reading the history. The book gave good insight into what life was like in Russia during the Second World War. During his journey Stepanych made valuable friends some of these friends were orphans and solders. Stepanych book is definitely full of adventure as he overcame many obstacles such as train burglars and police as he road the trains to eventually find his home and his mother.

Definitely a story about the awakening of his artistic talent. A book full of intrigue and adventure. At times I laughed and at times I cried with sadness and joy this book is a must read!